Formation with Dr. Bill Keimig, Cindy Black, and Friar Rick Riccioli
Religion To Reality
Formation - From Lived Experience to Practical Application Episode Overview In this episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Father John Gribowich explore the critical topic of faith formation, examining the barriers that prevent Catholics from receiving ongoing spiritual development and highlighting practices that have proven successful. Through conversations with three experienced formation leaders, they uncover why trust and personal relationships are foundational to authentic spiritual growth. Key Timestamps [00:00:00] Opening quote on ministry and intimacy [00:01:00] Introduction to faith formation experiences [00:03:00] The backwards approach done right: Belong → Believe → Behave [00:05:00] Results from discipleship study on formation needs [00:06:00] Interview with Dr. Bill Keimig begins [00:11:00] Discussion on trust in formation relationships [00:19:00] Interview with Cindy Black on pastoral formation [00:26:00] Consumer Christianity vs. authentic discipleship [00:33:00] Interview with Friar Rick on Alpha program [00:39:00] Practical ministry approaches and flexibility [00:45:00] Long-term perspective on spiritual growth Featured Guests Dr. Bill Keimig Deputy Director, Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University Expert in RCIA/OCIA processes Trainer for over 80 dioceses worldwide Advocate for relationship-centered formation Cindy Black Pastoral Associate, St. Vincent de Paul Parish Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana Experienced in Catholic radio ministry Specialist in welcoming seekers to the Church Friar Rick Riccioli Parish Ministry Leader Experienced with Alpha program implementation Focus on hospitality and evangelization culture Expert in community outreach through arts and media Key Insights & Quotes On Trust in Formation "Ministry is defined by degree of intimacy and nothing else." - Dr. Bill Keimig On Consumer Christianity "The end of evangelization is for you to go out and do it - to radically love people, not have the next thing that you get something out of." - Cindy Black On Personal Conversion "Formation aims at the soul for yearning, while education aims at the mind for learning." - Dr. Bill Keimig On Authentic Discipleship "The opposite of faith is not doubt, but the opposite of faith is certainty." - Father John (quoting Anne Lamott) Main Takeaways Trust is Foundational: Authentic formation requires proving you're trustworthy and demonstrating trust in God through daily interactions. Relationship Before Program: Personal conversion happens through intimate relationships, not programmatic approaches that prioritize calendar schedules over individual needs. Belong → Believe → Behave: The most effective formation welcomes people into community first, allowing belief and behavior to follow naturally. Formation vs. Education: Formation targets the soul and develops yearning for God, while education primarily addresses intellectual understanding. Avoiding Consumer Mentality: True discipleship involves giving what you've received rather than constantly seeking...